Krennic's Gambit

by Thayin

My take on the events between the novel Rogue One: Catalyst and A New Hope. I created the main ideas before the release of the Rogue One movie, which is why the events would not be possible as a result of the events of the movie. This is my first attempt at extended writing, I would appreciate any reviews and tips.

1. Chapter 1

"Director Krennic, do you truly believe that the Empire can simply turn a blind eye to the loss of Galen Erso?" Vizier Mas Amedda spat. His voice shot across the expansive desk that formed the centrepiece of the Chagrian's office. A handful of priceless art pieces, undoubtedly gifted to the Vizier by Emperor Palpatine, dotted the surface of the oak, harvested from the only remaining forest of Corsuscant, the material further emphasising the false wealth that the Vizier surrounded himself with. Over his shoulder, unbroken shoals of airspeeders streamed passed the glazed, floor-to-ceiling windows, which kept watch over the higher levels of airspace. Crimson curtains, draped from the ceiling in folds that remembered the secrets of many clandestine meetings, framed the vista.

"Vizier, he was under no obligation to remain. Admittedly, he was important to the weaponisation of the kyber crystal, but he made enough progress for the remaining scientists to interpret and continue his work. This will not be allowed to derail the project," Krennic returned fire. However, these had been tracer rounds- lies, for the most part. Erso was still central to the project. Mere days had passed since his escape, yet work had already stalled. Even the collective minds of the other scientists were incomparable to the might of Galen's brilliance, outshone by his immense intelligence.

Despite the current lack of breakthroughs, Orson Krennic did not fear major repercussions. The fact that it was Amedda, and it the Emperor or Darth Vader who addressed him, implied that this was little but a ceremonial dressing down, a token response that would leave no major changes. Krennic's goal of becoming the Emperor's closest confidante remained unaffected, at least for the present. If no progress occurred within the next weeks, however, that outlook would become far more depressing. "I trust that the search for a new location is proceeding well." Amedda's sudden statement drew Krennic out of his own mind.

"Of course, Vizier. In fact, we are close to finalising a new world: Scarif. It is a suitable distance from inhabited worlds, and has the resources we desire," Krennic replied.

"Excellent. You may leave to continue your work, Director."

Krennic abruptly stood, and turned away from the desk. Flanking both sides of the door, two royal guards, the same crimson hue as the curtains, stood motionless. Such was their discipline, the soldiers would have blended into the fabric, save for their black eye slits. Although Amedda saw them as his own men, Krennic knew that they would just as soon despatch the Vizier by the Emperor's command, than defend him. Krennic bisected the two men, and marched determinedly toward his shuttle, waiting to ferry him to an awaiting Star Destroyer, one of the many bright lights which pock-marked Coruscant's night sky.

The short journey to the Star Destroyer's hangar proved uneventful. In any case, had the trip been disrupted by another vehicle, Orson Krennic would have had no qualms in ordering the shuttle pilot to fire upon the offender. Nothing, and nobody, would stand in his path to success. Upon disembarking the shuttle, however, he was taken aback by a nasty surprise. As the white cloud generated by the shuttle's ramp began to fade, a tall, powerful figure seemed to materialise from the mist: Grand Moff Tarkin. Tarkin was Krennic's greatest rival, the man in the Empire who delighted in Krennic's failures the most, the man who aimed to seize control of the Death Star project from him. The mere sight of him sparked fury within Krennic, but he forced his face to remain passive. "Tarkin, good to see you," Krennic forced. He would not give the man the pleasure of addressing him by his title.

"Orson, I hear that the project is moving forward quickly." As Tarkin spoke, a smug smile developed across his face. He knew the issues that Krennic faced, of course, and he knew that he would be next in line to take control, should Krennic fail. The tension between the two men invaded the recycled air that inhabited the Star Destroyer. However, almost as quickly as it had started, the animosity appeared to dissolve into non-existence. Silently, both men had agreed that anything further than a few hostile words would be a poor example for the many subordinates that encircled them. "I shall show you to your quarters," Tarkin said, flatly. Krennic followed in silence, as those gathered in the hangar diffused through the ship.